Sophia Loren’s granddaughter is officially a debutante!
18-year-old Lucia Ponti has made her grand debut at the exclusive Le Bal in Paris, France. The event was held at the iconic Shangri-la hotel.
According to a social media statement, the ball strives to celebrate “excellence, the empowering of women and the harmony between débutantes and cavaliers from all over the world.”
Ponti is the daughter of Sasha Alexander and Edoardo Ponti — and the granddaughter of iconic Italian actress Sophia Loren.
Lucia attended the famous Debutante’s ball on Saturday, November 30, and said that her grandmother inspired much of her fashion sense.
“My grandmother always believed in timeless elegance and the importance of wearing something that reflects your true self,” Ponti told Hello! in an interview published Monday, November 25. “Growing up, she taught me the value of simplicity, tailoring, and always adding a touch of uniqueness to your outfit.”
Ponti added that Loren’s “wardrobe was filled with pieces that told a story, and I’ve carried that mindset with me.”
To the event, Ponti chose a dress from Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani — a friend of her starlet grandmother.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images Sophia Loren has had an incredible career throughout the years, yet her roles as “mom” and “grandma” might be her favorite ones yet. “I live for my family,” Loren told Today in 2016. “I have the most beautiful grandchildren that I’ve ever seen in my life. I’m happy! I live a wonderful […]
The gorgeous gown featured lace and a striped, vintage-style design. She accessorized with a diamond and emerald necklace.
“I tend to go for dresses or clothes that make me feel confident but also are comfortable to wear,” Ponti told Hello!. “I had looked through other dresses that were featured in Le Bal in previous years, and they all individually represented the girls so beautifully. I just hoped to find a dress that would do the same for me.”
Ponti grew up in Los Angeles, California, but currently attends Brown University, where she studies art history and English.
Loren, who is now 90 years old, currently lives in Geneva, Switzerland.
“My grandmother and I are very close,” Ponti told Hello!. “We visit her frequently in Geneva and she comes to visit us in LA as well. I love her dearly and despite the distance, we spend ample time together.”
She also reminisced on childhood memories of her grandmother — and her closet.
She told Hello! that often when her grandmother would visit, she would stay in her room.
“As a little girl, I would walk into my room covered in hair pieces, jewellery and coats, and at the time I was so mesmerized by the transformation my room would go through every time she visited,” said Ponti.